The review of England (11/15)

  

This book was written about England, which was a country of Europe. I will talk about some interesting information in the book.

 

   First, there are a lot of big, beautiful old country houses --- also called 'stately homes' in England. 'Stately homes' means that the buildings like St Michael's mount in Cornwall are venerable and time-honored. I really like old buildings, especially world heritages. I am interested in the mysteries of them. Why did people at that time construct such buildings? How did they build such big buildings? There are still left many fascinating questions.

 

   Second, I would like to write about English foods. I knew the words that 'the great English breakfast' from the book for the first time. It is constituted egg, bacon, sausages, tomatoes, mushrooms, and baked beans, with lots of tea. People can eat it at nearly all hotels and at many cafes. However, I have heard the words that 'afternoon tea.' The English drink a cup of tea with sandwiches and cakes. I long for 'afternoon tea' very much. I want to spend such elegant time with my best friend.

 

   Third, I will introduce the brands in London, for example, Mary Quant, Paul Smith, Bruce Oldfield and Katharine Hamnett and many other things. They are popular in all over the world. I will write the history of fashion there. Mary Quant made the first miniskirt here in the 1960s. She was soon famous all round the world. Later, in 1970s, Vivienne Westwood opened her shop Seditionaries in the King’s Road in Chelsea, and punk fashion was born. I was surprised that the many brands which I had heard was in London. London seems to be a pioneer of fashion in the world.

 

   Forth is about nature. In contrast to the downtown in England, there are a lot of beautiful nature in countryside. People say, ‘It always rains in England.’ The book said that it was not true. However, because it rains, the countryside is green and beautiful. The Lake District National Park is in Cumbria, in the north-west of England. Here the hills are the highest in England, and between them sit sixteen great lakes. The fact was surprising.

 

   Thanks to this book, I could enjoy the situation that as if I visited England. I strongly think I want to visit the country, of course, and other many countries in the future.

The content of the class (11/8)

   When you stand on the Golden Gate Bridge, and look east across Saint Francis Bay you can see an island. It is very small, but everybody knows its name, "Alcatraz." Every year more than 1.4 million visitors visit this place.


   Alcatraz Island first became an important prison in 1907. At this time, it was only a prison for soldiers. Then, in the 1930s, the U.S. government needed a place for the most dangerous people in the country --- people from wild cities like Chicago or New York. They thought nobody would be able to escape from the island of Alcatraz.

The Love of a King (BR10)

When I was young, I lived in Buckingham Palace. I could have anything that I wanted. But I wasn't happy because my heart was empty.

I sympathized with those words because I sometimes think like that. When I was a high school student, I had a lot of school regulations and I should obey them. But I could enjoy my school life because there were many friends, good teachers, and my family. They were really interesting. In contrast, since my university life started, I became able to spend time freely, but I couldn't feel happiness. This was because they were not near me. Now, I'm very happy because I have a lot of friends!

Dainty, P. (2000). The Love of a King. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

A Tale of Two Cities (BR9)

In 1775, Two cities are London and Paris.

The prisoner from 105 North Tower of the Bastille Prison is free. But why was he in prison in Paris for eighteen years? He leaves Frances and travels to England. Will he and his family be safe from their enemies?

I was nervous to read this book. This story is related to war. I could know that the history of London and Paris. 

Charles Dickens. (1997). A tale of two cities. Macmillan Readers.

New York (BR8)

   New York is the must famous city in America. More than twenty million people from all over the world visit New York every year. This place is able to see in movie many times. And also many famous people live in New York. For example, Robert De Niro,  Tom cruise, Jennifer Lopez and George Gershwin.

   World Trade Center is a tallest building in New York. This building have hundred floors with office, shops, and restraunt inside. But on 11 September in 2001. An American Airlines plane crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. And just after, A United Airlines plane crashed into the South Tower.Thousands of people died by this accident. Many people won't forget this terrible accident.

   So I read this book and I think I would like to go to New York. I want to see many shows in broadway.  And also I would like to  go to Times square on New year'eve. However, I think we should study New york. In partciculary, I must know 9,11.

Escort, John (2008) New York, Oxford Bookworms.

Anna and the Fighter (BR7)

   Anna wanted to run away, but she was frightened of Sam. she was tired and lost. Polona was a big town. Anna did not know anybody there. Sam called a taxi.

   'Get in, Anna,' he said. Anna got in. (P10, L1)

It was a first journey for Anna, so I thought the man who talked to her looked very scary and strange. However, the last of this story was fell at ease. It was very good story.


Elizabeth Laird. (1997). Anna and the Fighter. Macmillan Readers.

The long Tunnel (BR6)

   The first of Frank's men reached the top of the shaft. His head hit the iron cover. He reached up with one hand and pushed. The cover did not move.

   'There's something wrong,' he shouted. 'I can't get out.' (P29, L5)

The young people were very clever and brave. If I were in the situation, I would not be able to act like them. I want to be a lady of action.

John, Milne. (1980). The Long Tunnel. Macmillan Readers. 

Christmas in Prague (BR5)

  'December the 25th,' said Pavel. 'My grandmother told me the day. My mother died in a hospital bed in Prague, she said.'

  'Lenka died in the snow, on the road at the border,' Josef said. 'She was near Austria... so near us... with you, Pavel, on her back...' (P34, L8)

I realized how serious the infuluence of the war was. It torn a happy family. Although, it was good that they could meet again at last of the story.

Hannam, Joyce. (1997). Christmas in Prague. Oxford University Press.

The Truth Machine (BR4)

  'But I have another secret,' said Lyme. He looked at Dr Simple. He looked at Professor Verity.

  'Another secret?' cried Dr Simple. 'Tell me. Tell me. Tell me the truth!'

  'My secret is this,' said Harville Lyme. 'I never tell the truth. I always tell lies.' He smiled. (P24, L10)

I thought truth is very important but sometimes it is better not to reveal the secret. Lie is lubricant for relationships among people.

Norman, Whitney. (1976). The Truth Machine. Macmillan Readers.

Money for a Motorbike (BR3)

'What do you mean?' asked the sergeant. 'It has started to rain now,' replied Stuart. 'I don't want a holiday. I'm going to get a job. I'm going to save another £325 and buy that bike.' (P30, L21)

I got angry at behavior of Stuart that he wanted to be lazy but he want a motorbike at first. Finally, although, he was penitent. It was good and I was relieved.

John, Milne. (1976). Money for a Motorbike. Macmillan Readers.

Newspaper Boy (BR2)

   'I know,' said Harry. 'I was talking to him again last night. Geofferey Elliott is a retired policeman.'

   'I was wrong about Elliott,' said Toby. 'I'm a bad detective.'

   Harry laughed. 'Never mind,' he said. 'You're a good newspaper boy.' (P31,L5)

Toby wants to be a detective, but I want him to be still a newspaper boy. I thought that his purity is very cute and good.

John, Escott. (1979). Newspaper Boy. Macmillan Readers.

New York (BR1)

  New Yorkers often eat at the 'deli' or the delicatessen. These sell wonderful sandwiches.

  There are lots of 'fast food' shops to buy something to eat quickly.

  There are food stands on many street corners. (P11, L1)

I like to go various places for a trip. Last summer, I went to Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka. It was very fun! So I want to try forign countries in the next trip like New York.

John, Escott. (1995). New York. Oxford University Press.

Reflex (BR20)

People who ride race-horses love the speed, the danger and winning the race. Philip Nore knows the answer to the first question,

and he wants to find out the answer to the second. But as he begins to learn George Millace's secrets, he realizes that his own life is in danger.


The world of this story is horse racing. There was a jockey, Geogy in the past. However, he died because of a traffic accident. Philip is a boy who like taking pictures. He accept Geoge's box, but it has a secret.


Francis, Dick. (1991). Relex. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

The Man in the Iron Mask (BR19)

Aramis, the Bishop of Vannes, will be a guest at the feast. The bishop's old friends, Porthos and D'Artagnan, are also going to Vaux. The Musketeers will be together again. But first, Aramis visits the terrible Bastille prison. Why?


It was a bit difficult for me. However, the story became a movie. So I want to try it. I thought the four musketeers were very cool and great. I want to watch the movie of it.


Dumas, Alexandre. (2005). The Man in the Iron Mask. Oxford: Macmillan Readers.

Brat Farrar (BR18)

And so the plan was born. At first Brat Farrar fought against the idea; it was criminal, it was dangerous. But in the end he was persuaded, and a few weeks later Patrick Ashby came back from the dead and went home to inherit the family house and fortune. The Ashby family seemed happy to welcome Patric home, but Brat soon realized that somewhere there was a time-bomb ticking away, waiting to explode...


One day, Brat Farrar was token to by a man. He was suggested that he pretended to be Patric, who was the head of the family of Ashby. Patric didn't alive then because he killed himself. I thought the reason of his death looked strange.


Tey, Josephine. (1992). Brat Farrar. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

The Prisoner of Zenda (BR17)

So Rudolf Rassendyll and Sapt gallop through the night to find the king of Ruritania. But the king is now a prisoner in the Castle of Zenda. Who will rescue him from his enemies, the dangerous Duke Michael and Rupert of Hentzau?


At first, Rudolf Rassendyll went to Ruritania to see the colonation ceremony. When the next head, Prince Rudolf and he met, they were very surprised because they were very alike. It was interesting and thrilling that Rudolf started to be involved the country's problem. It was very thrilling!


Hope, Anthony. (1993). The Prisoner of Zenda. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

'Who, Sir? Me, Sir?' (BR16)

The team that he has chosen for the competition think Sam has gone crazy. 'Who, Sir? Me, Sir?' says little Hoomey, his eyes round with horror. 'We'll never beat Greycoats,' the others cry. 'Never in a million years!'


I looked the word, "tetrathlon" for the first time. At first, I was annoyed because the boy had no enthusiasm wasn't independent. However, he could improve himself through the sports. I was moved!


Peyton, K. M. (1995). 'Who, Sir? Me, Sir?' Oxford: Oxford University Press.

William Shakespeare (BR15)

William Shakespeare. Born April 1564, at Stratfford-upon-Avon. Died April 1616. Married Anne Hatherway: two daughters, one son. Actor, poet, famous playwright. Wrote nearly forty plays. But what was he like as a man? What did he think about when he rode into London for the first time... or when he was writing his plays Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet... or when his only son died?


It was like autobiography of Shakespeare. I was the most surprised at the fact that he got married when he was 18 years old. I thought he was so intelligent, so he was popular with women. I want to try his works during this summer vacation.


Bassett, Jennifer. (1993). William Shakespeare. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Remember Miranda (BR14)

Cathy Wilson is driving to Norfolk, to begin her new job with the Harvey family. She is going to look after the two young children, Tim and Susan. Cathy meets the children's father, and their grandmother, and their aunt. She meets Nick, the farmer who lives across the fields. But she doesn't meet Miranda, the children's mother, because Miranda is dead.

It was very strange that nobody talked about Miranda. I thought the situation looked suspicious and scary. However, after I found the fact of the family, I got annoyed because of Nick. I was disappointed at his Philanderer.

Akinyemi, Rowena. (1996). Remember Miranda. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Tales of Horror (BR13)

Three strange and frightening short stories by the author of Dracula. 1. The Judge's House, 2. The Iron Maiden and 3. The Return of Abel Behena.

These stories were written by the person who wrote Dracula. All of the stories ware very scary for me. In the story that I was especially scared, the girl threw a stone to the black cat to surprise them, but one of them died. Then, the other cat started to revenge.

Stoker, Bram. (1983). Tales of Horror. Oxford: Macmillan Readers.

Love by Design (BR12)

It is winter. It is raining and Tom is bored. He hates working in the library. He wants to be an artist and a photographer. But he failed his exams. So he can't go to art college. Then the door of the library opens and a girl walks in. A beautiful girl in a red coat. She smiles at him - and Tom falls in love.

The boy was indecisive and the girl was innocent and strong. This couple was troubled, but at last, they became happy. The boy was not concerned with the girl's last decision, so it was shameful, I thought.

McGovern, Kieran. (1998). Love by Design. Oxford: Macmillan Readers.

Good Wives (BR11)

Mag is going to marry John Brooke. She wants to have children. Jo wants an exciting life and she wants to be a famous writer. Amy wants to be a painter and she wants to travel to Europe. Beth wants to stay at home. She wants to have a happy, quite life.

The story was a sequel. There were 4 sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. They had each dreams. There was also their best friend, Laurie. I wanted him to date Jo. Look forward to the last of the story.

M. Alcott, Louisa. (1999). Good Wives. Oxford: Macmillan Readers.

Jane Eyre (BR10)

Jane Eyre has no parents and no money. She goes to live at Lowood School. The pupils at Lowood are cold and hungry. Many pupils become sick and die.
After eight years, Jane goes to work foe Mr Rochester. She is a teacher in his house, Thornfield Hall. Jane likes Mr Rochester. But she is frightened at Thornfield Hall. Jane hears someone laughing. At night, someone walks along the dark corridors of the house.

I thought she has very strange power, but sometimes it saved her important person. 

Bronte, Charlotte. (1998). Jane Eyre. Oxford: Macmillan Readers.

The Wizard of Oz (BR9)

She was not looking at the gray prairie anymore. The house was in a beautiful country that was covered with green grass and tall trees. There were flowers of every color in the grass and the trees were full of delicious fruit. Birds sang and there was a little stream of clear water.

I have read the story in Japanese when I was child, however, I had very different impression. At last, actually each of them could overcome their weaknesses.

Baum, L. Frank. (2007). The Wizard of Oz. Oxford: Macmillan Readers.

Heidi (BR8)

Heidi goes to live with her bad-tempered grandfather, Uncle Alp, in his hut on the mountain. Everyone thinks that her stay will make them both unhappy. But Heidi grows to love her new life. Then her aunt Detie arrives and insists that Heidi must go to live with a family in Frankfurt. Heidi and her grandfather are heartbroken. Will Heidi ever return?

I knew only the name of girl, but I did not know the story. So, I was surprised the grandfather's past. I thought Heidi was very wise.

Spyri, Johanna. (2008). Heidi. Oxford: Macmillan Readers.

On the Edge (BR7)

When Tug wakes up, he is not in his own bedroom at home. The door is rocked and there are bars across the window. Loud music hammers through the house and through his head. Then a woman comes in and says that she is his mother, but Tug knows that she is not his mother... Outside, Jinny stares through the trees at the lonely house on the hill. She hears strange noises, but she turns away. After all, it's none of her business...


The story was very scary, especially the scene that the boy became unable to find himself was frightened. I thought the situation that person lose oneself is very scared.


Cross, Gillian. (1984). On the Edge. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

White Death (BR6)

She says she did not do it. But if she did not, who did? Only two people can help Sarah: her mother, and an old boyfriend who does not love her now. Can they work together?

I thought it very annoyed at first because Sarah was innocent. Her mother and old boyfriend helped her. I liked Anna, Sarah's mother, because she tried to prove her daughter's innocence with full force. I was very excited because if she couldn't do it, Sarah might be condemned to death. Thanks to her, she could be made free. 

Vicary, Tim. (1989). White Death. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

The Elephant Man (BR5)

Merrick stood up beside his table. He did not smile, because his face could not smile, but his eyes looked happy. 'That's good,' he said. 'Who is it?' I moved away from the door, and the visitor walked in.

I thought the story was scary at first, but the expectation was not. His mother thought he is annoying, children ran away from him and people laughed at him because of his scary looks. However, he was gradually accepted by people. At last of this story, a tragedy upon him. I was surprised at his sudden death. I was very sad because the cause of death was very trivial.


Vicary, Tim. (1989). The Elephant Man. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

The Secret Garden (BR4)

Little Mary Lennox is a bad-tempered, disagreeable child. When her parents die in India, She is sent back to England to live with her uncle in a big, lonely, old house. There is nothing to do all day except walk in the gardens - and watch the robin flying over the high walls of the secret garden... which has been locked for ten years.

I wondered why Craven closed his garden, however, there were a sad reason. I thought Mary was lonely girl at first. It was interesting that Mary gradually became cheerful and grew up. I hope all them be happy. I felt sorry for Craven, who lost his wife.

Burnett, Frances Hodgson. (1993). The Secret Garden. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Dead Man's Island (BR3)

'So I made a plan. Jake Rosso had to die, too. It was the best thing to do. And so... I "killed" him.' 'But you're still alive.' 'Myfamily know I'm alive, but no other people know.' He looked at me. 'But now you know.'


When I found out this book at first, it looked very interesting. I thought I wanted to know the meaning of 'dead' which is a part of the title of this book. So I read it. The man was famous for songs in the past, but he keep a secret now. When I found it, I became sad. He must live with guilt.


Escott, John. (1991). Dead Man's Island. Oxford University Press.

Black Beauty(BR2)

'White star on the forehead, one white foot and a little white white place on his back! It must be Black Beauty! Beauty! Do you know me? I'm little Joe Green, who almost killed you!' And he began patting me all over my back.


I like this scean the best because it made me happy. The clever black hourse had have spend hard time, but he had have stood it until they met each other. I thought it was difficult to read.

Sewell, Anna. (1995). Black Beauty. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Skyjack! (BR1)

'You are not innocent!' said the girl. 'No one is innocent! People like you, and your wife, and that American - you have money and power and you take it from my people, from us! Do you know how I lived when I was a child? Ten people in one room, with no bath, no water, nothing! My parents had no jobs, no passports, no country, nothing! We lived in a town with ten thousand others. But ten kilometers away there were rich people like you, with beautiful houses, fine clothes - and they were all innocent people, like you! I tell you no one is innocent!'


This book made me think about the poor. I have thought about the problem that the differences between the wealthy and the poor. When I found out about it, I wondered why people on the border's right was starving to death and people on the left wasted their food. The criminal in this book grew up in poor surroundings. I thought this is an deep-rooted problem, but we need to solve immediately.

Vicary, Tim. (1989). Skyjack! Oxford: Oxford University Press.

My Spring Vacation

I was working in almost all of spring vacation. I always work as a cashier in night because I am a university student, but I was able to work in the day. So, I met some customers who I had never met. One shouted unreasnable, and the other made ridiculous demand. Although I was very tired because of them, I think these experiences are useful for me.

Henry Ⅷ and His Six Wives (BR14)

He was too ill to dance, but later that evening he asked to talk with me. I was a little afraid. I knew so many different stories about him. He was one of the most famous kings in Europe, and he was also famous for killing people who made him angry - Anne Boleyn, Katherine Howard, and many, many others. And of course, he was also very fat and ugly!

I thought this book's story was love story or interesting story, so I chose this book. But it was wrong. The King was cruel. He was not kind husband. "People say that when he was looking for a new wife, careful fathers not want the King to choose their daughter to be the next Queen, because some of his Queens had very short and unhappy lives." This sentence was written in this book. I think if I were one of these father, I would do the same thing. I get frightened to think that if I am a wife of the King because I should worry about my life.

Hardy - Gould, Janet. (1996). Henry Ⅷ and His Six Wives. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Grace Darling (BR13)

Daniel looked at the angry sea with its terrible waves, and he felt cold and frightened. He remembered the small young woman alone in the boat by Harker's Rock. 'Great God.' he thought. 'You made that girl strong, like an angel. Make me strong, too, like her.'

The story written in the book is true. The time when this accident happened, the ship soaked in the sea because the sea was stormy. I think passengers of the ship might think 'we would die.' But they didn't die because Grace Darling, a brave girl helped them. "And when she prayed, she heard a voice in her head. 'Go to the window, Grace.' it said. 'Go and look out.'" There were the sentences in this book. I know the sea has many faces because I have lived near the sea until 18 years old. Sometimes it is calm and gentle, but sometimes it is wild, and angry, and dangerous.


Vicary, Tim. (1991). Grace Darling. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Munity on the Bounty (BR12)

'You see, we aren't going to kill you,' Christian said. 'You can live on that, for a week or two.' 'But why are you doing this, Christian?' Bligh shouted angrily. 'I'm your captain - and your friend!' 'No you're not! Not now!' Christian said. 'Don't you understand? I'm in hell, with you here on this ship!'

In this story, the friendship between two men was over. At first, the captain of the Bounty, Bligh was hated by some sailors. So they pulled him out of bed and take him up on deck. He tried to run, but a sailor held a knife to his neck. Christian, I mentioned above had been a friend with Bligh but his colossally accumulated frustration to Bligh exploded. I became very sad because I thought their friendship might strong. Bligh carried out his responsibility as the captain after he was given up on by his company. I think it is great.


Vicary, Tim. (1994). Mutiny on the Bounty. Oxford: Oxford University Press.